Radical polymerization of styrene initiated by styrene–arsenic sulfide complex

Styrene forms a complex with arsenic sulfide which in DMF at 85°C initiates radical polymerization yielding high molecular weight polymer. The order of reaction, with respect to initiator and monomer, is 0.5 ± 0.02 and unity, respectively. The energy of activation for the system computed as 96 kJ mol^?1 and the polymerization is retarded by hydroquinone. A possible mechanism for reaction has also been proposed.     

Approximation for Certain Stancu Type Summation Integral Operator

In the present paper,we consider Stancu type generalization of the summation integral type operators discussed in [15].We apply hypergeometric series for obtaining moments of these operators.We also discuss about asymptotic formula and error estimation in terms of modules of continuity.     

Conifers Phytochemicals: A Valuable Forest with Therapeutic Potential

Conifers have long been recognized for their therapeutic potential in different disorders. Alkaloids, terpenes and polyphenols are the most abundant naturally occurring phytochemicals in these plants. Here, we provide an overview of the phytochemistry and related commercial products obtained from conifers. The pharmacological actions of different phytochemicals present in conifers against bacterial and fungal infections, cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases are also reviewed. Data obtained from experimental and clinical studies performed to date clearly underline that such compounds exert promising antioxidant effects, being able to inhibit cell damage, cancer growth, inflammation and the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, an attempt has been made with the intent to highlight the importance of conifer-derived extracts for pharmacological purposes, with the support of relevant in vitro and in vivo experimental data. In short, this review comprehends the information published to date related to conifers’ phytochemicals and illustrates their potential role as drugs.     

Structure, interactions, and antibacterial activities of MSI-594 derived mutant peptide MSI-594F5A in lipopolysaccharide micelles: role of the helical hairpin conformation in outer-membrane permeabilization

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) provides a well-organized permeability barrier at the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. Host defense cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) need to disrupt the outer membrane before gaining access to the inner cytoplasmic membrane or intracellular targets. Several AMPs are largely inactive against Gram-negative pathogens due to the restricted permeation through the LPS layer of the outer membrane. MSI-594 (GIGKFLKKAKKGIGAVLKVLTTG) is a highly active AMP with a broad-spectrum of activities against bacteria, fungi, and virus. In the context of LPS, MSI-594 assumes a hairpin helical structure dictated by packing interactions between two helical segments. Residue Phe5 of MSI-594 has been found to be engaged in important interhelical interactions. In order to understand plausible structural and functional inter-relationship of the helical hairpin structure of MSI-594 with outer membrane permeabilization, a mutant peptide, termed MSI-594F5A, containing a replacement of Phe5 with Ala has been prepared. We have compared antibacterial activities, outer and inner membrane permeabilizations, LPS binding affinity, perturbation of LPS micelles structures by MSI-594 and MSI-594F5A peptides. Our results demonstrated that the MSI-594F5A has lower activities against Gram-negative bacteria, due to limited permeabilization through the LPS layer, however, retains Gram-positive activity, akin to MSI-594. The atomic-resolution structure of MSI-594F5A has been determined in LPS micelles by NMR spectroscopy showing an amphipathic curved helix without any packing interactions. The 3D structures, interactions, and activities of MSI-594 and its mutant MSI-594F5A in LPS provide important mechanistic insights toward the requirements of LPS specific conformations and outer membrane permeabilization by broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptides.     

Investigations of the first order magnetic phase transition in dysprosium

The first order magnetic phase transition in polycrystalline sample of dysprosium (Dy) has been investigated in detail by dc-resistance vs. temperature (R-T) measurements. Distinct signature of coexistence of two magnetically ordered phases (i.e. ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic), originating as a result of the metastable behavior associated with the first order phase transition (FOPT) is found near 90 K. By successfully recording the minor hysteresis loops within the hysteretic R-T regime of Dy, a varying degree of phase coexistence in the FOPT is demonstrated.     

Efficacy of Polyaniline (PANI) nanofibres for capturing Diclofenac (DC) drug from its aqueous solutions

Pharmaceutical drug contamination in water nowadays is deteriorating the ecological components. A remedial approach is therefore a necessity. This study focuses on the synthesis of PANI nanofibres employing the oxidative polymerization method using ammonium persulphate (APS) as oxidant. The synthesized nanofibres were characterized using HR-TEM, FT-IR and XRD. The HRTEM image exhibited the nano-range structure of PANI with a rough surface. The FT-IR spectra inferred about the role of surface capping groups involved in the uptake mechanism. The crystallinity of PANI was well assessed by the X-Ray Diffraction analysis. The interaction between the studied drug diclofenac (DC) and polyaniline (PANI) showed a rapid equilibrium time 120 min favored at pH 5.0 achieving maximum adsorptive capacity (q_e) of 471.08 mg g ^?1. The uptake process followed the pseudo-second order kinetic model (R² = 1) with intra-particle diffusivity model (R² = 0.9810) as the governing step and best fitting values into Langmuir isotherm model (R² = 0.9822) inferred about the favourable adsorption of DC forming monolayer over PANI having q_m to be 943.83 mg g^?1. The drug DC was easily desorbed up to 85.31% by using 0.1 M aq ethanol and was exhausted after five cycles of reusability. The whole adsorptive mechanism involved electrostatic interactions along with hydrogen bonding.